The Root

Reimagining the Los Angeles Metro’s identity is no small task, it is both iconic and functional, providing onlooks with plenty of information in a clear and concise way. However, Los Angeles is very rich in culture, each destination in the various train lines are all different. Yet each train line and destination are represented by color with no way to present the local cultures and landmarks. This is why the concept of a new name and identity for the metro was created: The Root. With so many different people and cultures, you can view Union station as the transportation tree of Los Angeles. With the roots being the train lines and people riding them, Los Angeles contains many people from various backgrounds. It is time local neighborhoods and landmarks get a spotlight. The Root builts on a pre-existing identity to not confuse long time riders of the metro trains. However, its logo borrows colors from a warm southern California sunset to evoke a sense of welcome and ease. As for the posters, while keeping the same colors of the metro, additional imagery to metro posters are added. An edited image of a local landmark in which the train connects too, alongside said images, the posters contain information as to which stop the landmark is located near. With all of these changes, The Root collaborates with local artists to give them publicity through The Root’s tap cards. These cards would contain art from locals, showing riders some of the talent their city contains.